Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer!
Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer is the most extensive site for Appalachian Mountain Dulcimer players and builders on the internet. Welcome!
Join Groups and Forum discussions that interest you, make new music friends. Share your photos, music clips and videos, resources for buying instruments, music, and learning materials. Ask beginner questions! All are welcome here no matter your playing style, skill level, or musical tastes. Become a member of Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer (FOTMD) community -it's friendly and totally FREE!
After joining, please read the Site Rules before posting. You'll find your very own Member Profile Page by clicking on your name link in the drop menus. Click on various links to get familiar with where things are. Questions about using the site?- ask them HERE . You've come to the right place to receive free help and encouragement in playing music. Here on FOTMD we all learn from each other as friends. Join our block party! -Strumelia
Latest Activity
@cindy-stammich
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Renaissance pieces for DAD Dulcimer :
Posted a new Comment on Renaissance pieces for DAD Dulcimer :
"So pretty!! I sure do agree with Strumelia! "
@cindy-stammich
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Robert Burns for DAD Dulcimer:
Posted a new Comment on Robert Burns for DAD Dulcimer:
"Well done Ondrej! The songs flowed very nicely! 🎶🎶🎶"
@cindy-stammich
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on We'll Shout and Give Him Glory:
Posted a new Comment on We'll Shout and Give Him Glory:
"John, what a wonderful song! That new dulcimer sure is singing sweet and compliments your singing beautifully! Congratulations and early Happy Birthday!..."
@jankdc
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @richard-streib: For Sale: Box Dulcimer
Liked a forum discussions item created by @richard-streib: For Sale: Box Dulcimer
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @barlise2000:
Posted a new Comment on @barlise2000:
"Hi Barlise, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @dar:
Posted a new Comment on @dar:
"Hi Dar, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the dulcimer,..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on @bridgette-downer:
Posted a new Comment on @bridgette-downer:
"Hi Bridgette, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @jerhenning:
Posted a new Comment on @jerhenning:
"Hi Jer, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the dulcimer,..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @dgpickard:
Posted a new Comment on @dgpickard:
"Hi D. G., and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the dulcimer,..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @tupelo-honey:
Posted a new Comment on @tupelo-honey:
"Hi Honey, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the dulcimer,..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @msteg3:
Posted a new Comment on @msteg3:
"Hi Msteg3, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the dulcimer,..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @shelli-pleasantt:
Posted a new Comment on @shelli-pleasantt:
"Hi Sheli, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the dulcimer,..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @n-stromberg:
Posted a new Comment on @n-stromberg:
"Hi N., and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the dulcimer, and..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @allthumbs36:
Posted a new Comment on @allthumbs36:
"Hi Thumbs, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the dulcimer,..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @blueonekms:
Posted a new Comment on @blueonekms:
"Hi Blueonekms, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @lilypaths:
Posted a new Comment on @lilypaths:
"Hi Lily, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the dulcimer,..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @daveinnj:
Posted a new Comment on @daveinnj:
"Hi Dave, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the dulcimer,..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @lee-ann:
Posted a new Comment on @lee-ann:
"Hi Lee Ann, and welcome back to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @jay-roberto:
Posted a new Comment on @jay-roberto:
"Hi Jay, and welcome to the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the dulcimer, and to meet some good..."
@dusty
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "David Massengill":
Posted a response to "David Massengill":
"That's really interesting. He has a way talking that makes even the most mundane of details seem full of magic and wonder.
Does anyone know the song in the..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @peargirl:
Posted a new Comment on @peargirl:
"Hi Pearl, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the dulcimer,..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @jankdc:
Posted a new Comment on @jankdc:
"Hi Jan, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the dulcimer,..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @linda-de:
Posted a new Comment on @linda-de:
"Hi Linda, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the dulcimer,..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @jpaul:
Posted a new Comment on @jpaul:
"Hi J Paul, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the dulcimer,..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @martynfoster735:
Posted a new Comment on @martynfoster735:
"Hi Marty, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the dulcimer,..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @clive8000:
Posted a new Comment on @clive8000:
"Hi Clive, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the dulcimer,..."
@richard-streib
• 9 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @clive8000:
Posted a new Comment on @clive8000:
"Welcome Clive8000 to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Glad to have you with us. This is an active forum with a lot of information just about everything you..."
@robin-thompson
• 10 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Late Sunsets:
Posted a new Comment on Late Sunsets:
"@davisjames Thanks, Jamie! Just a bit ago, we played a few tunes out of this tuning yet I'd forgotten all about this one so am making a mental note. I hope..."
@davisjames
• 11 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Late Sunsets:
Posted a new Comment on Late Sunsets:
"All of your tunes tell a story.Enjoy them immensely."
@robin-thompson
• 11 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "David Massengill":
Posted a response to "David Massengill":
"I'm glad you enjoyed it, @shopdad! "
@shopdad
• 12 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "David Massengill":
Posted a response to "David Massengill":
"Awesome story. Thanks for sharing"
@robin-thompson
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "David Massengill":
Posted a response to "David Massengill":
"@ken-longfield you're welcome! It was shared on fb and I thought I'd share it here at FOTMD. "
@ken-longfield
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "David Massengill":
Posted a response to "David Massengill":
"Thanks for sharing that Robin. It was very interesting.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@robin-thompson
• 16 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "David Massengill":
Created a new forum topic "David Massengill":
"How David Massengill got an Edsel Martin dulcimer:..."
@robin-thompson
• yesterday
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on We'll Shout and Give Him Glory:
Posted a new Comment on We'll Shout and Give Him Glory:
"It's so nice you're enjoying your lovely new birthday gift, John! "
@strumelia
• yesterday
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on We'll Shout and Give Him Glory:
Posted a new Comment on We'll Shout and Give Him Glory:
"Sure sounds sweet John... well done! "
@robin-thompson
• yesterday
• comments: 4
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: We'll Shout and Give Him Glory
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: We'll Shout and Give Him Glory
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on We'll Shout and Give Him Glory:
Posted a new Comment on We'll Shout and Give Him Glory:
"Very nice, John. You and your new dulcimer sound lovely. Thanks for sharing.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: We'll Shout and Give Him Glory
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: We'll Shout and Give Him Glory
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: We'll Shout and Give Him Glory
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: We'll Shout and Give Him Glory
@john-w-mckinstry
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted new YouTube video(s):
We'll Shout and Give Him Glory
We'll Shout and Give Him Glory
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @studentofrhythm: God Loved Us, So He Sent His Son
Liked a youtube item created by @studentofrhythm: God Loved Us, So He Sent His Son
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "New Dulcimer for my 90th birthday":
Posted a response to "New Dulcimer for my 90th birthday":
"Happy Birthday to our dear John!
I'm not yet seeing that new video, but i look forward to it. That is so exciting about your new Whaletale dulcimer- you..."
@robin-thompson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "New Dulcimer for my 90th birthday":
Posted a response to "New Dulcimer for my 90th birthday":
"Happy birthday and happy strumming, John! "
@wally-venable
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Stoney End Dulcimers - any good?":
Posted a response to "Stoney End Dulcimers - any good?":
"I can't tell you anything about Stoney End dulcimers. There does not appear to be any prior mention of them on this forum. According to their website, the..."
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "New Dulcimer for my 90th birthday":
Posted a response to "New Dulcimer for my 90th birthday":
"Happy Birthday, John! I know it's a week early, but I'm not taking a chance of forgetting it. Enjoy your new dulcimer.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@knobby
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Stoney End Dulcimers - any good?":
Created a new forum topic "Stoney End Dulcimers - any good?":
"Hi All,
I'm in the UK and looking to buy a dulcimer. There's quite a limited selection available, and most appear to be plywood models made in Romania (and..."
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @john-w-mckinstry: New Dulcimer for my 90th birthday
Liked a forum discussions item created by @john-w-mckinstry: New Dulcimer for my 90th birthday
@john-w-mckinstry
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "New Dulcimer for my 90th birthday":
Created a new forum topic "New Dulcimer for my 90th birthday":
"Hi everyone, On Sept. 27th I'll be turning ninety. To celebrate I just bought a Whaletale
New Harmony Dulcimer. You can hear me playing it as I sing "We'll..."
@john-petry
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "For Sale: Box Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "For Sale: Box Dulcimer":
"Looks like a great buy for a new dulcimer player!
Make sure you sign and date, and locate, a little legacy to pass on.....
Good going on your project.
God..."
Join a Group! All
Beginner players
Are you a brand new player? Join this group and ask all...
OLD STYLE Drone & Noter...
If you are an avid fan of the older traditional mountain...
Dulcimer Making
A group for those building dulcimers or interested in...
Modern/Chord style Players
Do you play chords and fret across all strings? Then...
Fingerpicking
A place to discuss fingerpicking styles of dulcimer...
Hymn and Worship Song Players
a place to share the hymns and worship songs we are playing.
The Music Theory Corner
A Group to talk about Music Theory!
Dulcimer Care & Maintenance
Tips, tricks and techniques to help care for your dulcimer.
Rockin' in the Free World
A group for those of you who like to play music not...
Mountain Dulcimer History &...
Share historical information and resources on the...
Technology/Software/Amplifying
to share info on all aspects of using tech: Amplifying,...
Singing with the Dulcimer
Here's a group for those of us who are interested in...
Arranging/composing for...
A group to discuss creating arrangements of songs and...
Four-Equidistant Strings
A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
Little Dulcimers
Do you play an octave, mini, or traveling dulcimer?
Baritone & Bass Dulcimer...
A Group for discussing the unique aspects of playing...
fans of Jean Ritchie
A group for those of us who have been inspired by...
Early & Classical Music
For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
Help Me Learn this Song
Need help learning to play a particular song? Let another...
I have extra frets.....
This group is for those who have a 1 1/2 fret, an 8 1/2...
Public Domain... or Not?
Ever wanted to record or post that tune, but you just...
Dulcimer Therapy
This group is dedicated to those that visit, or have a...
Home Studio Recording
Recording dulcimers, vocals and other instruments in the...
Dulcimer Ancestors
Looking at some of the ancestors of the Mountain...
Dulcimer teachers
Do you teach dulcimer? Are you helping others to learn?
Stick Dulcimers/Strumsticks
Regardless of what name you favor, this group is a...
UK and European Mountain...
A group which hopefully allows players/makers in this...
Chromatic Dulcimers
For players who enjoy playing dulcimers with ALL the frets!
Box Dulcimers
A group for those who play, make, or admire all types...
Galax Dulcimer Lovers
Just a group to discuss all things Galax Dulcimer. Tips...
Call the Tune
"Call the Tune" is a place to post audio and video...
Civil War era music
For discussing music that was played around the time of...
GIG TALK!
Do you play gigs? Tell us about your good and not-so-good...
Scrap/Recycled wood...
A group for those thrifty and creative folk who like to...
Challenged Players
A meeting place for players dealing with disabilities.
Rosin the Bow!
Welcome to all who play music using a bow on any type of...
NorthEastern U.S. dulcimer...
For those of us who live in the northeastern United States.
Virginia Dulcimer Players
Just thought it would be neet to know how many other...
Prayers, Hugs, and Kindness
A group for private sharing and support, whether you are...
6 string dulcimers
Owning and playing a 6 string, regardless of tuning, and...
California Dulcimer Dreamin'
For dulcimer players living in or just visiting California
North Carolinians Plus
The Three Sides of North Carolina: Mountains / Piedmont /...
Texas Dulcimer Enthusiasts
Howdy ya'll! Come on by for a cup o' joe and jammin....
Kentucky Dulcimer Players
A group for any players from Kentucky where we can meet...
Florida Sunshine Dulcimer...
Florida Dulcimer Players
West Virginia players
A group just for dulcimer players in beautiful West...
Pacific Northwest Players
For players who live in or have strong connections to the...
Missouri Dulcimer Players
for all the Show Me State dulcimer players
Indiana Players
Welcome all dulcimer players in the state of Indiana!...
North of the Lakes
for any MD players in Upper Canada (aka Ontario) and the...
Arkansas Mtn Dulcimer Players
For those who live in Arkansas and love playing the...
AussieTalk!
For dulcimer players in Australia.-Be sure to create...
Site Moderators Group
A private group to allow FOTMD moderators to communicate...
Latest Videos
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Latest Forum Posts All
David Massengill
Posted: Monday September 21 2026, 8:04 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
New Dulcimer for my 90th...
Posted: Sunday September 20 2026, 10:47 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Stoney End Dulcimers - any...
Posted: Sunday September 20 2026, 9:20 AM
By: @Wally Venable
By: @Wally Venable
For Sale: Box Dulcimer
Posted: Saturday September 19 2026, 11:45 PM
By: @John Pettreemusic
By: @John Pettreemusic
Luthiers, Builder question...
Posted: Saturday September 19 2026, 10:54 PM
By: @John Pettreemusic
By: @John Pettreemusic
Diamond 6-String...
Posted: Friday September 18 2026, 6:35 PM
By: @MichaelH
By: @MichaelH
Winfield 2026
Posted: Friday September 18 2026, 5:13 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Amp Question
Posted: Thursday September 17 2026, 11:36 PM
By: @Wally Venable
By: @Wally Venable
ISO seeking McSpadden Ginger
Posted: Monday September 14 2026, 4:53 PM
By: @John C. Knopf
By: @John C. Knopf
Does anyone know what kind...
Posted: Monday September 14 2026, 11:40 AM
By: @John Pettreemusic
By: @John Pettreemusic
For Sale: Sunhearth Hourglass
Posted: Friday September 11 2026, 8:47 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Dulcimer History and Tradition
Posted: Wednesday September 9 2026, 10:19 AM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Deodorizing, for lack of a...
Posted: Tuesday September 8 2026, 9:11 PM
By: @Salt Springs
By: @Salt Springs
Play Music on the Porch Day...
Posted: Monday September 7 2026, 10:43 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Solid body electric dulcimer
Posted: Saturday September 5 2026, 10:28 PM
By: @StudentofRhythm
By: @StudentofRhythm
HELP Chord F
Posted: Saturday September 5 2026, 4:37 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Playing a dulcimer at a ham...
Posted: Friday September 4 2026, 2:01 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
The Positive Thread...
Posted: Wednesday September 2 2026, 4:56 PM
By: @Richard Streib
By: @Richard Streib
In the days before picks.....
Posted: Tuesday September 1 2026, 3:51 PM
By: @tonyg
By: @tonyg
Questions regarding two...
Posted: Monday August 31 2026, 12:59 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
FOTMD one year anniversary...
Posted: Sunday August 30 2026, 7:46 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Fly high, Dolly Parton
Posted: Thursday August 27 2026, 3:42 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Dulcimer-Ukulele WHAT
Posted: Wednesday August 26 2026, 9:06 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Curly Ash Teardrop Dulcimer
Posted: Wednesday August 26 2026, 11:13 AM
By: @Noah Cline
By: @Noah Cline
Has anyone Heard of the...
Posted: Monday August 24 2026, 4:57 PM
By: @nattyice1252
By: @nattyice1252
Danish folk group which...
Posted: Monday August 24 2026, 9:34 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
what gauge strings ?
Posted: Sunday August 23 2026, 11:10 PM
By: @Lilley Pad
By: @Lilley Pad
Porch Music
Posted: Friday August 21 2026, 7:03 AM
By: @Shopdad
By: @Shopdad
McSpadden 'Skunk Stripe'...
Posted: Thursday August 20 2026, 12:47 AM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Change For Sale Listing Price
Posted: Monday August 17 2026, 9:09 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Read the Site Rules
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Ken Longfield  |
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